Convert U3D Files to STL

U3D to STL

U3D to STL Conversion

Here is a list of valuable resources, complete with step-by-step instructions and expert advice for converting U3D files to STL format using our converters. Check them out now to expedite your U3D files conversion later.


U3D vs. STL Comparison

Property U3D STL
Extensions .u3d, .idtf .stl
Name Universal 3D STereoLithography
Versions
Textures
Colors
Geometry components

U3D Universal 3D File

An open-source compressed file format that was initiated by the 3D Industry Forum. U3D is designed to store three-dimensional triangular meshes along with additional properties such as color, transparency, or texture coordinates. Here are some of the key features and advantages of U3D:

  • 3D PDF Integration: U3D enables the generation of PDF documents that contain interactive 3D data. This means that you can view, rotate, zoom, and manipulate 3D models within a PDF document. 3D PDF is a widely used and supported format that can be easily shared and distributed.
  • U3D File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application are capable of reading and writing to and from the U3D file format. This allows you to convert your 3D models from various formats, such as STL, OBJ, SKP, DAE, STEP, and others, to U3D and vice versa.
  • IFX Conversion Library: Our U3D file converters use the publicly available open-source IFX conversion library provided by Intel. This library is a powerful and reliable tool that enables the conversion of 3D data to and from U3D.

STL STereoLithography File

A file format that was developed by 3D Systems, a global leader in the 3D printing industry. It is primarily used for storing 3D models and exclusively contains triangular mesh data. Some of the benefits and features of STL files are:

  • Simplicity: STL files are easy to create and read by many software applications and 3D printers, as they only contain the coordinates of the vertices and the normal vectors of the triangles.
  • Lack of Additional Information: STL files do not include information on face color, texture, transparency, and named groups. This means that all STL models are effectively colorless in their raw form.
  • STL Files Converter: While it is technically possible to assign RGB color values to individual vertices in an STL file, it’s important to note that not all software, including our Autoconverter, currently supports this extension.
  • Binary and ASCII STL Formats: STL files can be saved in either binary or ASCII text formats. The binary format is generally preferred due to its significant reduction in file size compared to the ASCII format.
  • Units of Measurement: The coordinates in STL files are always defined in millimeters. If necessary, our STL converter will perform the required units conversion.